The Chamber of Pharmacists has blamed the Health ministry for the protracted industrial action by the Government Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA).

Pharmacies in the various public hospitals have been locked up due to the strike which is mainly over enhanced conditions of service.

The strike has left many patients in dire need of some prescription drugs which the private pharmacies do not stock.

Speaking to Starr News, the Chief Executive of the Chamber Anthony Amaka said the Health Ministry has been disappointing.

He urged the ministry and the striking workers to acknowledge that lives which will be lost during the strike period cannot be regained hence the need to immediately go back to the negotiation table.